Unfortunately Frequent Fashion Faux-Pas: How to Avoid Them

Many people hate to go clothes shopping because they simply don't know what to buy. Styles change so quickly and it can be hard to keep up. Here are some easy basic tips to adhere to no matter what current styles are in. With these tips hopefully your shopping will be easier and more productive.

Buy clothes that fit.
This seems like a no-brainer but many people have a hard time finding their correct size. If you're not sure try on several sizes and pick that one that feels and looks best. You should be able to move with reasonable comfort and coverage. A good idea is to bring an honest but kind friend along to help point out what fits and what doesn't. If you don't have a friend with you, don't be afraid to ask the salesperson for their opinion.

Bra fittings.
This one is exclusively met for women. Most high end department stores and even some not so high end ones will have certified bra fitters on hand. (That's right... certified ;) ) Something like 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Get properly fitted and your shirts and dresses will fit all the better. If you're bra straps are always falling down, the tops or sides of your breasts are peeking out of your bra, or if you can easily fit two or three fingers between your back and your bra band... you're wearing the wrong bra.

Sometimes it's easier to start with what's out than what's in. So here are some things that you should know are definitely out of style (and hopefully always will be).

OUT: Pubic hair and butt cracks.
Your pants simply should not be that low. Leave those pants for the teeny-boppers. Believe it or not... even some of the teeny-boppers are getting the point that no one really wants to see their bottom falling out the top of their pants. Super low pants also allow for an unsightly "muffin top" over the top of your pants if you happen to have even the least bit of pudge.

OUT: Tapered legs.
Never... ever... wear tapered pants. They tend to bulge at your hips and make your ankles look absurdly tiny while your feet resemble clowns feet. Tapered pants really throw your lower half out of proportion. Very few stores even sell tapered leg pants anymore so when you go shopping don't expect to find this fashion faux-pas from the 80's.

OUT: Acid wash.
Acid wash jeans and denim jackets are another fashion faux-pas from the 80's. If you have any acid wash anything left in your closet you should go and throw it out immediately. I work in a department store and you'd be surprised at how many women still come in looking for acid wash jeans. This is another item that you won't see in department stores very often.

Now for some general guidance. Not all types of clothing work for all people so here are some things to avoid and some thinks to seek out for different body types.

Skinny jeans are for skinny people.
It's true. Skinny jeans are simply not meant for anyone with hips, thighs, or a butt... or even slightly muscular thighs. Sad but true.

Wide shoulders?
If you've got wide shoulders halter tops are a good option for you. They even out the proportion between your shoulders and your waist by creating a triangle that is opposite to your shoulder/waist proportion.

Flat chested?
Thin jersey fabrics are very good for the flat chested because they accentuate whatever you might have. For this very reason they aren't a good option for someone who's got plenty of curves. Shirts without too much detail are also very flattering.

Got a tummy?
Empire waists can do a wonderful job of disguising a little tummy pudge. Keep in mind that empire waists are very different from the retro neck line that is just above the breasts that is coming back. A retro neck line can actually make you look pregnant and so is best left for very slender people.

Many people avoid shopping because they have an innate fear of fashion. Unfortunately this fear often comes through in the form of sticking to styles that you are already comfortable with, even if these styles are incredibly out dated. So here are some no fear tips.

Don't be afraid of going with a slimmer or wider pant leg than you normally wear.
Pant widths and waist heights are constantly changing. Don't be afraid to experiment and challenge your notion of what looks good. Many times we've tried our eye to only like a specific style even if it's not the best for us... so bring a friend or ask the salesperson.

Don't be afraid of dressing older or younger than you are.
Within reason of course. Many people will ignore a garment because they believe it to be too young or too old for them. Fashion is not constrained by age. As I mentioned earlier I work in a department store and I have seen many many "young" fashions that look just wonderful on older women. Conversely, I've seen many fashions that are "older" or more mature that look stunning on younger people. Of course, different occasions call for different styles of clothing.

Happy shopping!